phoenix returns to the nest, leaves with the queen

We’ve just finished Day 3 of play and already Caro‘s out (grumpily), Venus is gone, and Jelena‘s title defense fizzled. Maybe a lesson should be gleaned from women who get their on-court kits custom-made?

Not convinced? Then we present Exhibit D in the form of Zheng Jie, who had her “Z” monogram adapted by ANTA to reflect her participation in this week’s China Open in Beijing.

The design’s named “Phoenix Returns to Nest” — symbolic of Zheng’s return to her home SEWTA tourney after months of playing all over the world. “I especially like this apparel as the design is simple yet it contains a lot of Chinese elements,” said Zheng of the apparel.

Sadly, Zheng lost in the first round to sixth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova; the Russian’s slated to face Venus-killer Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarters.

Bracketology:Serena is lurking in the same half as Kuzie, and will probably go up against Peng, who’s through to the quarters after beating Sharapova. Meanwhile, in the other half, Chinese No. 1 Li Na is out, losing to Dementieva in the third round. In the other quarter, Shuai Zhang will go up against Marion Bartoli for a spot in the final eight. Draw here (pdf).